How Do You Really Learn a Language?
Many people ask me how many languages I speak, since I teach students from many different countries. They think I must speak several languages. But actually, I don’t. I speak some French and know a little of a few other languages, but with my students, I only use English.
So, does your teacher need to speak your native language to help you learn English? The surprising answer is no. Many people find that learning a language without relying on translation helps them learn faster and better.
Learning versus Acquiring a Language
Think about how you learned your first language. Did you use a translator or follow a textbook? Probably not. Instead, you learned it naturally by hearing it all around you. This is called language acquisition.
To acquire means to learn or develop a skill naturally. We acquire a language by listening, speaking, reading, and understanding, not just by memorising grammar rules.
This is an important difference: learning a language is about studying grammar and vocabulary, while acquiring a language is about understanding what you hear and read, even if it’s a little difficult for you.
Why Language Acquisition is Important
Experts like Noam Chomsky and Stephen Krashen have studied language acquisition. Chomsky says that humans are born ready to understand any language—our brains are naturally prepared for it.
Krashen adds that the best way to acquire a new language is through comprehensible input—language that you can mostly understand, even if it’s a bit challenging. This is like how you learned your first language: by hearing and understanding what’s around you, not by memorising grammar.
How Immersion Can Help You Learn English
How can you use this to improve your English? One of the best ways is through immersion—surrounding yourself with English as much as possible. This means using English in real-life situations, not just in class. For example:
Listen to English: Find podcasts, radio shows, or TV series that you enjoy. Don’t worry if you don’t understand every word; try to understand the general idea.
Read in English: Choose books, articles, or websites about topics you like. Reading helps you see new words and phrases in context, making them easier to remember.
Speak as Much as You Can: Practice speaking with native speakers or other learners. You can join language exchange groups or find conversation partners online. The more you use English in everyday situations, the more comfortable it will feel.
Immersion helps you acquire English by making it part of your daily life. This way, learning feels more natural and less like hard work.
Overcoming Challenges in Learning a New Language
Learning a second language as an adult is different from learning your first language as a child. Adults often face interference from their native language, which can make things like pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary more difficult. For example:
Pronunciation: Some sounds in English might not exist in your native language, so they can be hard to say.
Word Order: You might try to translate phrases directly from your language, which can make sentences sound strange in English.
False Friends: Some words look similar in two languages but have different meanings. This can cause confusion.
Understanding these challenges is the first step to improving. If you know that word order is tricky for you, pay extra attention to how sentences are structured when you speak or write in English.
Tips for Acquiring English
Here are some simple tips to help you acquire English naturally:
Set Small Goals: Start with small goals, like learning a few new words each week or listening to a short podcast every day.
Don’t Worry About Mistakes: Making mistakes is a normal part of learning. Mistakes help you improve.
Focus on Understanding: Try to understand the overall message, rather than focusing on every single word. This will keep you motivated and help you progress faster.
Be Patient: Acquiring a language takes time, but every bit of practice helps. Stay consistent and don’t give up.
Enjoy the Journey of Learning English
Learning a language is more than memorising words and rules—it’s about making it a part of your life. When you focus on acquiring English through immersion, you’ll have those special moments when everything makes sense. These moments make the journey fun and exciting.
So, are you ready to make English a part of your life? Try immersion, focus on understanding, and soon you’ll feel more confident and fluent in English.
Ready to acquire more English? Get in touch to discuss your course options. catherine@getsetgoenglish.co.uk
Коментарі